Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
After heated debate, council approves Stone Trust for workers' compensation; administration renews other benefits
Summary
The council reviewed renewals for group health, dental and life benefits and debated awarding workers' compensation. After competing amendments, the council adopted an amendment naming Stone Trust for workers' compensation and carried the main motion to approve the administration's package.
The council considered a package of employee benefit renewals and awards for 04/01/2025–03/31/2026, including group health (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana), dental (Guardian), life insurance (Dearborn Life) and workers' compensation. The administration's packet contained competing quotes from insurance providers; Dorsey Insurance presented background and a recommendation.
David Dorsey, the insurance representative, framed the decision around loss history and long‑term relationships: "If they close these claims out, it's gonna bring that loss ratio down and they're gonna be able to offer the credits," he said while explaining why he recommended staying with LUBA in light of the parish's multi‑year relationship with that carrier.
Several council members pressed for change based on price. Councilman Warren Gacheson said he had "a hard time with this one because ... it's gonna be hard for me to leave $30,000 on the table." Councilman Brock Pelerin echoed the point, saying he struggled with leaving available savings unclaimed.
Councilman Michael Landry moved to accept administration's recommendation and single out LUBA for workers' compensation; that amendment failed on a council vote. Councilwoman Natalie Broussard later moved an amendment to single out Stone Trust for workers' compensation; that amendment carried and the council adopted the main motion with that amendment. The meeting record does not include a complete roll‑call tally in the transcript for the final votes.
The council's action approves the administration's renewals and selection of Stone Trust for workers' compensation; council members said they will continue monitoring the insurance relationships and dividends that LUBA has previously returned to the parish.
The administration noted that some of the benefit renewals were discussed in committee and recommended the award based on the aggregate package. The council directed staff to finalize documentation for the awarded policies.
